The general promise is six pounds over the course of the diet. Since most people struggle to lose a pound a week, the promises of the three day diets are very appealing. But these diets do raise two big questions; do they work and are they safe?

Do they work? Yes and no. If you need to drop some pounds quickly to look your best for an event, then these three day diets can be extremely effective, because if followed as instructed, they will help you drop pounds and inches.

The problem is that they aren’t really designed for long term weight loss, which is why they are three day diets and not thirty year diets. They work mostly by causing a very rapid loss due to low carbohydrates and low salt content. Which is fine, because if you’re using them as a quick fix, that’s exactly what you want them to do.

But the weight will come back almost immediately when you resume normal eating habits, which is true of pretty much every diet. The three day diets are also, by their nature, very low in bulk, which means that your midsection will slim out quickly because there’s not much in your intestines.

The three day diets do lead to actual fat loss as well, since by their nature they are low in calories and they are short enough that there is no metabolic slowdown as you would get if you stayed on the program longer. Depending on your size and activity level, it’s unreasonable to expect to see from one to three pounds of actual fat loss.

Are they safe? Yes, usually. Frankly, a lot of people worry about the safety of diets a lot more than they really should. The human body is an immensely adaptable machine, and you can eat pretty much anything foodwise for short periods with no ill effects, or nothing at all.

Certainly, most of the three days diets are perfectly safe for a normal person who doesn’t have a preexisting illness. You can’t develop nutritional deficiencies over the course of three days. In addition, most of the three day diets actually have you eating healthier than the average person does normally.

Typically, the diets have you eating mostly meat, vegetables and fruit over the course of the three days, and elimination starches and sugar. This is actually a big improvement over the way the normal person eats, and the chance of you becoming deficient in vitamins or nutrients, even over the long term, is virtually non existent.

The problem with three day diets is that they are also extremely low in calories, typically below 1000 calories, and often much below. This is simply not enough calories even if you are trying to lose weight, and so you can’t say that the three day diets are safe for extended use.

What you can do is do a three on, four off version of the diet. In the three day period, do the diets exactly as planned, but for the next four days, eat the same foods without limiting portions. This will prevent metabolic slowdown and help make the three day diets work for you.

The 3 Day Cardiac Diet has set menu plans for breakfast, lunch and dinner for three days. Each day is limited to about 800 calories.  While some claim that there is a special “chemical reaction,” much of the weight loss benefit is likely obtained by the restricted calorie intake.  Also, there are very few carbs on the diet which leads to water loss.

You should drink six to eight cups of water a day on the program to speed digestion.

Tuna is the featured protein on the 3 day Cardiac diet. 1/2 cup of tuna is prescribed on the first two days, and on the final day, you will increase that to 1 cup. Variety and nutrition is provided with small to medium sized portions of cheese, eggs, crackers, vegetables, grapefruit, banana, and toast. Coffee, tea, or diet soda can accompany meals but water should be the beverage of choice outside of mealtime.

Some nutritionists express concerns about the restricted levels of calories and lack of a full range of nutritional options.   However, considering that the diet lasts only 3 days, these are not a major concern.

People following the 3 day cardiac diet will likely feel hunger pangs and have lower energy levels.  This is especially true by the third day.  But, keep in mind that the diet is of limited duration and you should be fine unless you have endurance based physical feats to perform.

Your body may start to recognize that only a limited food supply is available when you eat only 3 small meals a day.  It may begin to compensate by reducing metabolism and energy levels to conserve fat reserves. This can actually make it harder to lose weight and place the body under additional stress.

The 3 Day Cardiac diet is not suitable for long term dieting.  After 3 days you should start on a diet that offers more variety and more calories.

The 3 Day Cardiac Diet provides restricted calories and nutrients for its intended duration.  Your body can handle a fast for 3 days, so it certainly can handle a restricted calorie diet.  However, the diet is not a long term solution to your weight management concerns.

If you need to lose a few pounds in a short period of time, the 3 day cardiac diet can help to get you there.  If you are trying to lose those “last 5 pounds” and nothing else seems to be working, try the 3 day cardiac diet.  But follow it up with a sensible eating plan.

Bread, a natural source of fiber and complex carbohydrates, is okay for dieting. Norwegian scientist Dr. Bjarne Jacobsen found that people who eat less than two slices of bread daily weigh about 11 pounds more than those who eat a lot of bread.

Studies at Michigan State University show some breads actually reduce the appetite. Researchers compared white bread to dark, high-fiber bread and found that students who ate 12 slices a day of the dark, high-fiber bread felt less hunger on a daily basis and lost five pounds in two months. Others who ate white bread were hungrier, ate more fattening foods and lost no weight during this time.

So the key is eating dark, rich, high-fiber breads such as pumpernickel, whole wheat, mixed grain, oatmeal and others. The average slice of whole grain bread contains only 60 to 70 calories, is rich in complex carbohydrates – the best, steadiest fuel you can give your body – and delivers a surprising amount of protein.

Do the body good… eat whole grain bread!

First of all, apples elevate your blood glucose (sugar) levels in a safe, gentle manner and keeps it up longer than most foods. The practical effect of this is to leave you feeling satisfied longer, say researchers, which of course leads to eating less.

Second, apples are  one of the richest sources of soluble fiber in the supermarket. This type of fiber prevents hunger pangs by guarding against dangerous swings or drops in your blood sugar level, says Dr. James Anderson of the University of Kentucky’s School of Medicine. And of course we all know how good fiber is for us.

An average size apple provides only 81 calories and has no sodium, saturated fat or cholesterol. You’ll also get the added health benefits of lowering the level of cholesterol already in your blood as well as lowering your blood pressure.

Apples are readily available in any supermarket and very inexpensive, so there’s no excuse for not adding these to your diet! Some of you may even be lucky enough to have your own apple tree(s), so I suggest you go pick one now!

What follows may not be at the top of everybody’s list for ways to lose weight quickly, but it works. At the very least it should be added to your bag of tricks for dropping those extra pounds. Some of the tips may sound a little silly, but you can’t argue with results. So, what is this method? Portion control. And it can actually be a lot fun!

For starters, when you focus on your portions, there’s no need to carry along a bulky calories counter guide when you go out to eat. I used to hate trying to be “casual” when using those, because I just knew all of the other diners were watching me; thinking to themselves how fat I was.

The most basic way of controlling your portions is…get ready…this is good…putting less on your plate. See? Easy. Not so fast! If it was that easy we would all be at our ideal weight. Yes, by all means, make an effort to put less on your plate. Here are a few more tricks to keep portions limited so you can lose extra weight.

Don’t worry about cleaning your plate. In fact, make it a habit to always leave a few bites on your plate. Speaking of your plate, using smaller dishes will give the illusion that there is more food on them. You can even eat on a saucer instead of a large dinner plate. Granted, you may have to fill it a second time, but all in all, it’s an easy way to limit the amount of food you’re eating.

A big problem for a lot of people is that they eat so fast that they are technically full long before they feel full. Slow down the speed with which you normally eat. Doing so will give your stomach more time to signal the brain that it’s full.

The beauty of doing it this way is that you can eat the same foods you enjoy now. You should still add more healthy foods, but you don’t have to give up any foods if you can keep the portion sizes under control. Once you get used to it, it’s as close to automatic weight loss as you can get. Give it a shot… what have you got to lose?

1. Oatmeal
This whole grain is truly a nutritional powerhouse. Oatmeal is high fiber and low calorie. It is also very filling. Add a serving of oatmeal to your breakfast, and boost your calorie burning power. Be sure to use plain cooked oatmeal. Flavored instant oatmeal is packed with sugar, preservatives, and artificial colors and flavors. Stick to real oatmeal – steel cut oats if possible.

2. Leafy Greens
Leafy greens are packed full of fiber as well. These low calorie, high nutrient vegetables are a great filler food. Add a salad as an appetizer before your lunch or dinner to help you feel full. Choose deep green leaves such as spinach and romaine lettuce. Avoid iceberg lettuce whenever possible – it has very few nutrients.

3. Olive Oil
Olive oil is a great fat to add to your diet. Along with carbohydrates, proteins, and other nutrients, your body needs healthy fats to function properly. Sauté veggies in olive oil, drizzle it over your salad, and spread it on bread. Adding healthy fats to your diet will help you reduce cravings for fat and make it easier to cut out the junk food.

4. Nuts
Nuts are another way to add healthy fats to your diet. Nuts and nut spreads add fiber and help you to feel full. Adding healthy fats to your diet is a great way to avoid unhealthy foods, as you’ll already feel satisfied.

5. Beans
Beans and legumes are a cheap, healthy food. They are packed with fiber and essential vitamins and minerals. Bean dips and spreads can be a great substitute for high fat dips for veggies or baked chips.

As you adjust your diet, be sure to add some of these power packed foods. Each is low calorie and contains high amounts of essential nutrients. As you choose, look for low calorie, high fiber foods. These are good ways to feel satisfied without eating excess calories.

To get fit, and stay fit, follow the following guidelines:

1. Focus on Lifestyle Changes: Fitness is not a temporary solution to a short term problem. It is a series of lifestyle choices, leading up to an overall lifestyle change. As you begin your journey into weight loss, focus on the fact that you are developing a healthy body for a lifetime, not just a skinnier body right now. This will help you to see the big picture, and enable you to stay strong through diet difficulties.

2. Adjust Your Diet: Adjust your diet plan until you find one that is both healthy and livable. For example, if you hate salad, and design a diet plan focused on eating a big salad at lunch and dinner time, you’re setting yourself up for failure. Take the time to research multiple diet plans, and find on that you can live with. Sure, there’s no such thing as the donuts-and-chocolate-cake diet, but find the healthiest diet that also works with you. This will make sticking to it, as well as losing weight, easier to do.

3. Include Activity: Again, take the time to include a plan that fits into your life. Choose a gym or fitness club that is open when you have the time to exercise. Pick activities that you enjoy. Plan your exercise time to fit into a part of your day when you’re not exhausted. Incorporate active outings into your family schedule. Strive for a more active life as a whole, and don’t beat yourself up over one or two missed workouts. Remember, you’re making changes for a lifetime.

4. Get Plenty of Rest: One of the biggest mistakes people make when trying to lose weight or become fit; is they burn the candle at both ends. Lack of adequate rest lowers not only your body’s natural defenses, but weakens your mental and emotional stability as well.  Think of it this way a well oiled machine can operate at maximum capability.

You can lose weight on an unhealthy diet, but true fitness requires devoting time to your health. By making yourself a priority, and focusing on long term lifestyle changes, you’re setting out on your fitness journey. Take the time to find diet plans and exercise routines that you can fit into your schedule, as well as enjoy. This will make incorporating fitness into your daily routine something to look forward to, instead of something to dread.

Trans fats are fats with an extra molecule added during a manufacturing process. You know saturated fat is bad – think of trans fats as super saturated fats. The chemical engineering process used to create trans fat makes the fat much more shelf stable. This makes trans fats an extremely convenient option for use in restaurants and snack foods, since they do not break down like traditional fat. However, this convenient fat becomes incredibly inconvenient when you take into account the damage it does to the human body. Trans fats are truly a dangerous food – to be avoided whenever possible.

Trans fats act in a harmful way on your cholesterol levels. Trans fats raise your bad cholesterol. There are many types of foods that do this, such as eggs, breakfast meats, and fatty foods, so it may not seem like such a big deal. However, trans fats are worse for you than that plate of bacon, as they also lower your good cholesterol. This means that trans fats truly pack a double whammy – they harm your body in two ways at the same time. Trans fat is an unnatural food that has an unnatural effect on your body.

There’s good news, however. Now, all foods that contain these harmful fats are required to state so on the label. This is leading to a fat revolution in America. Makers of snack foods and frozen dinners, as well as restaurant owners across the country, are revamping their recipes. This means that there are more healthy options available, and it is easier to spot foods that do contain these damaging fats.

It’s easier than ever to remove trans fats from your diet. Take the time to read labels and information on restaurant menus. Look specifically to see how much trans fat your favorite foods contain. More and more foods are removing trans fat completely. If your favorite has not, it may be time to find a new favorite! Trans fats are dangerous, and need to be avoided at all costs – cut them out of your diet today.

There are a lot of misconceptions about this diet, including the origins.  Some sources claim that the diet was created by a famous doctor; some sources attribute it to respectable hospitals, etc…The diet did not come from a famous doctor or hospital.  The true origins of this diet are unknown to this day.

This diet seems to have first surfaced in the 1980’s.  It spread quickly by fax machine.  Once the internet arrived, it quickly spread that way.  This is one of those fad diets that seems like it will never die or go away.

What is the cabbage soup diet?

The cabbage soup diet is a 7 day eating plan.  The diet, as the name suggests, focuses around a soup which is comprised mainly of cabbage.

The proposed eating plan is :

Day 1 – Cabbage soup and any type of fruit that you would like to eat, except for bananas.

Day 2 – Cabbage soup and any vegetables that you care to eat.  You may also have a baked potato that has a small amount of butter on it.

Day 3 – Cabbage soup plus any fruits or vegetables that you care to eat, with the exception of potatoes or bananas.

Day 4 – Cabbage soup and bananas.  You may eat up to 8 bananas.  You may also drink as much skim milk as you want too.

Day 5 – Cabbage soup and beef.  You may have up to 20 ounces of beef this day along with the cabbage soup.  You may also consume up to 6 tomatoes.

Day 6 – Cabbage soup and unlimited beef.  This day you can have as much beef as you care to eat.  You can also have as many vegetables as you want, except for potatoes.

Day 7 – Cabbage soup and brown rice.  You may also have any vegetables that you want this day, except potatoes.  You may drink unsweetened fruit juice this day too.

It should be noted that you may eat as much of the cabbage soup that you want on any of the days. You must eat the cabbage soup at least 3 times per day.  It should also be pointed out that there are some other variations of this diet.

The above may not be the exact cabbage soup diet that you may have stumbled upon.  The main ingredients usually consist of the following:  cabbage, onion, carrots, tomatoes, peppers, and seasonings.  The ingredients for the cabbage soup also tend to vary.

Does this diet work?

Yes and no.  The diet can work, if you actually stick to it for the 7 days.  You are severely limiting your calorie intake.  Given that you have to eat the same thing daily, will probably tend to make you want to eat less of the soup, which will even further restrict your daily calorie intake.

If you’re expecting the weight loss to be long term, don’t.  Most of the weight you lose from this diet will be water weight, not fat.  Once you resume your normal eating habits, the weight you lost will return.  In fact, it is probable that you will not only gain the weight you lost while being on this diet, but you may even gain more weight.  You could wind up heavier than before you started this diet after you resume your normal eating habits.

Is this diet safe?

No, it is not.  It is highly recommended that you don’t go on the cabbage soup diet.  This diet is not nutritionally sound.  You can actually become mal-nourished while on this diet.  You should never eat under 1200 calories, unless you’re being directed by a doctor.  This diet can make you come dangerously close to consuming less than 1200 calories.  Even though it is only a week, it is highly recommended you don’t try this diet.

The cabbage soup diet lives on because there will always be an allure and an attraction to a diet that will help you to lose weight rapidly.  The cabbage soup diet is not nutritionally sound nor will give you long term weight loss benefits at all.  There are many other safe, nutritionally sound, diets out there that will help you to lose weight quickly and easily, if you put the effort into them.

WHAT IS EMOTIONAL EATING?

Are you  eating whenever you are lonely or sad? Does it satisfy and calm an emotional event? Seeing food as more than just a source of energy and enjoying it simply for the satisfaction it gives is not wrong. In fact science shows that food can promote good feelings by chemical reactions caused in our brains. What IS a problem is when an individual cannot experience pain, anxiety, joy or even boredom without turning to food as means of dealing with those feelings, or they are obsessed with food, weight and dieting.

Emotional eaters turn to food as a source of distraction from dealing with feelings. However, eating these foods leads to feelings of guilt which can only be soothed with more eating, restrictive dieting, excessive exercise or purging.

Emotional eaters tend to value themselves based on their weight and how closely they’ve stuck to their ‘ideal’ diet. Because of this distorted relationship with food, foods are labeled “GOOD” and “BAD”. Emotional eating can lead to serious eating disorders and depression.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I’M AN EMOTIONAL EATER?

Do you turn to food for reasons other than hunger? Are you obsessed with thoughts of food – whether you plan to eat it or are concentrating on restricting yourself from eating it?

Do you regularly try diets and fail – leading to guilt and further over eating? Do you think about or attempt to purge excess food by throwing up or using laxatives? Do you exercise compulsively when you think you’ve eaten too much?

HOW DO I OVERCOME EMOTIONAL EATING?

Since emotional eating is caused by looking to food as a coping strategy for emotional distress dieting can actually create more problems. When the emotional eater fails to stick to a diet they suffer feelings of guilt that can only be soothed with more food and in turn, more guilt or punishment.

Instead of trying to focus on what they are eating, the emotional eater needs to learn new skills for coping with stressful emotions. Often this requires the help of a Personal Coach or Psychotherapist who deals with emotional eating. It is only by finding replacements for the comfort food provided that the individual can put food into its rightful place and learn healthy eating habits that last a lifetime.